I came to vegetarianism as my love of animals grew, through greyhound rescue.

It took some courage to begin standing up for something I believe in by telling people I'm now vegetarian. And I know it'll take some time to find the balance between trying to spread the cause and being a pain in the butt.

Now, what about my original cause, Animal Rescue? I imagine many here feel similarly that when at all possible (though maybe it'll stir up more controversy than I'd expected), companion animals should be those in need of "rescue" vs. bought from a breeder. Even though everyone close to me knows how strongly I feel about this (and how good my adopted-dogs are), I've never been able to find the right words to say to someone (close or less close to me) who's made a decision to get a dog from a breeder.

If I talk to someone early in the decision process, I talk about how rescued animals are so appreciative, and play up advantages like low cost, the possibility of them coming with some training, adult dogs being less work than puppies, etc. If they've obtained the animal, I keep my mouth totally shut.
But what to do if they INTEND to buy an animal but haven't done so yet? Should I butt out, or if I feel this strongly should I state my opinion once more (and how?)?

Or if this IS more controvercial than I thought, maybe I'm the one that needs to change my opinion or be more tolerant; so I'd also gladly hear good reasons why buying a companion animal from a breeder is sometimes a better option than rescuing one (I promise; I'll just listen, not attack).

Thanks!

Good one.

If I know someone who is looking into purchasing a dog, I print out all the information I can about rescuing over buying. (I can't think of one good reason why it would be better to buy a dog btw - you're only adding to the pet overpopulation and building demand for the pet breeders to continue breeding.) If someone is set on a purebred, I do lead them to the PB rescues. As soon as I know someone is looking, I spend hours on the computer trying to take an active part to help them find that 'perfect' animal to rescue. I'll send them links to animals that I think they'll like (along with their sad stories.)

To be honest, no one I know personally has bought a dog after I've spoken to them about the joys of rescue. I've steered about three people at work away from purchasing dogs to rescue. I don't blame people who aren't educated about it and then go out and buy a dog. However, if I've given them all the info and then they decide to buy anyway, I'd lose all respect for that person and wouldn't be able to look them in the eye. Actually come to think of it, a very good friend of mine came very close to buying a dog and I sent her an email from the heart. I do my fair of rescue and I really would not be able to associate with her anymore, because in a way it's a slap in the face. Fortunately, she was openminded and she found the perfect dog in rescue. My email did make a difference:)

If I know someone who is looking into purchasing a dog, I print out all the information I can about rescuing over buying.

Actually come to think of it, a very good friend of mine came very close to buying a dog and I sent her an email from the heart. I do my fair of rescue and I really would not be able to associate with her anymore, because in a way it's a slap in the face. Fortunately, she was openminded and she found the perfect dog in rescue. My email did make a difference:)

Wow, that must've been some well-thought-out e-mail. And that's wonderful of you to take such an active role to seek out adoptable pets to fit people who're looking. :up:

One person (now has 2 labradoodles) claimed to really want to rescue an animal but insisted that they needed a labradoodle b/c of allergies in the family, but I wondered if any poodle mix wouldn't have the same low-allergy qualities. Plus, isn't two low-allergen dogs similar to one regular-allergen dog?

One person went to a puppy-farm that had several breeds out in barns in poor condition, and felt so sorry for the dogs that she considers her pup "rescued" from that situation. :tired:

Another friend bought a dog b/c the waiting list was long for that breed's rescue group. Then they rescued a 2nd dog.

One person I work with (who's never had a dog and may get a dog in the coming year) says he just "wants" a puppy, and "wants" a purebred. :rolleyes: Hard to find both except through breeders, but I guess I can help him try, while also working harder on convincing him that maybe he doesn't need both those qualifications. Maybe I'll find the right words yet, but I can't not associate w/ a co-worker.

I think it was a good email. I didn't want to be hard, but I also wanted to make it perfectly clear that if she purchased a dog, there was no way I could, in respect to myself and my values, be a friend to her.

There are so many resoruces to look through online. petfinder.com; amrt.net; http://www.1-800-save-a-pet.com/. Sometimes when you make it easy for people, they are more likely to rescue.

What that person who went to the puppy mill should have done was reported those conditions. It must be difficult to see a pup in a horrible place and not want to take them out of there - but she shouldn't have been there in the first place, and she did not 'rescue' her dog. I heard that once from someone, I had to put them in their place. She supported a puppy mill financially and that of course gives them more incentive to breed their dogs.

BTW - complete tangent - the doxie rescue that I used to help with fostering for rescued three female dogs from a puppy mill in Texas. These poor dogs - basically their uteruses were just falling apart from so much breeding. But it was a beautiful moment for me when I was able to join one of them on their first walk in the grass. She had no idea what it was. She just kept sniffing one spot and would put out one leg to walk rather reluctantly. Then when she realized that she could walk around in the sun, she was such a happy little pup:)

Sometimes you can get puppies through rescue . . . what he should do is establish some sort of relationship with the specific rescue. The only thing is, rescues do tend to be a bit strict in rehoming dogs. Where do you live and what kind of PB does he want?

Did you warn him about puppies? I think they are darling, but no way no how am I adopting a puppy again. They are sooooooooo much work. One girl at work rescued a seven year old dog from the pound and she's in heaven with this dog. He's potty trained, doesn't make a mess inside, etc!

There are so many resoruces to look through online. petfinder.com; amrt.net; http://www.1-800-save-a-pet.com/. Sometimes when you make it easy for people, they are more likely to rescue.

What that person who went to the puppy mill should have done was reported those conditions. It must be difficult to see a pup in a horrible place and not want to take them out of there - but she shouldn't have been there in the first place, and she did not 'rescue' her dog. I heard that once from someone, I had to put them in their place. She supported a puppy mill financially and that of course gives them more incentive to breed their dogs.

BTW - complete tangent - the doxie rescue that I used to help with fostering for rescued three female dogs from a puppy mill in Texas. These poor dogs - basically their uteruses were just falling apart from so much breeding. But it was a beautiful moment for me when I was able to join one of them on their first walk in the grass. She had no idea what it was. She just kept sniffing one spot and would put out one leg to walk rather reluctantly. Then when she realized that she could walk around in the sun, she was such a happy little pup:)

Where do you live and what kind of PB does he want?

I'm in Cleveland Ohio, but he doesn't even know what kind of purebred he wants; just doesn't want a "mutt". :no: And I guess, medium-small. I've used petfinder, but thanks for the other links. Will have to get on that some more before he goes to a breeder even though I think it's months off yet.
And maybe my other friend can still report the puppy mill (seeing her tomorrow night) but "report" to whom, I wonder.... We have a vet friend going to the same get-together who might know....

How sad that those doxies had never seen grass :sick: but how amazing to be there when they first got to be happy pups. :) In less-dramatic ways, I've really enjoyed seeing my dogs' pet-personalities develop.

Okay I have a reason why it might be better to get a purebred from a breeder instead of rescue.

I'm involved in dog sports. Mainly agility. I have two pure-bred smooth blue collies, and two rescues, another smooth blue collie and a border collie.

I love agility. It is now my passion and I've been doing it for a year and a half. I use all positive training methods, based on books like The Culture Clash and Don't Shoot The Dog. Excellent wonderful books which I would highly recommend to anyone. Great about dog behavior and how dogs learn and such, Interesting stuff.

Anyway, I'm not quite as serious a competetor as some of the people who do herding and agility. However, both my rescues, as wonderful as they are.. have come with baggage. I adopted them mostly grown. The collie was probably about 5, and the BC was just under a year.

Many many people do agility with rescued border collies, and they have such a wonderful time, and I love it when I see those great dogs out there having so much fun, having come from a rotten background. My BC is just starting classes, but his confidence is building and it's great to see him come out of his shell. :) I love working with him, and if I ever got another BC to do agility with, I would rescue. There are a zillion BCs in rescue because people think they want a highly intelligent, highly energetice breed, and so get a BC pup and then realize that they don't want to entertain these dogs for 10 hours every day and they give them up. It's awful, and there's too much of it. Back 6 years ago when I was considering breeds, I didn't think I could handle a BC, and now that I have one, I realize that I was correct in my assumption of my life back then. The collies fit me better. But now that my life is straightened out and I'm involved in agility, I do have time and energy for a BC.. but I don't think I could do more than one at a time! LOL

Anyway, my favorite breed, however, is the collie. And these collies are smooth coated (short haired, not the long haired Lassie look-alike that are called rough collies). One of my smoothies I do agility with, and he's pretty good at it. I love their temperment and their look and everything about them. I want another smooth collie someday.

And, perhaps a person has to be really seriously involved in a competition even to understand the molding, shaping, and training that goes into these dogs. Getting and training a pupping is an amazing experience. You get a clean slate that you can mold and shape and watch grow. I would love to do that with a smooth collie puppy in the future. Unfortuantely, there are about zero smooth collie puppies up for adoption in the US. There occasionally are smooth adults available for adoption, and I have one of them to show for it. But I have never seen a smooth pup.

Also, being in the agility world, I know many a very good and responsible breeders. Those who have contracts and know where their puppies go. Personally, I could not breed, because I know that this is not 100% guaranteed, and I'd want to keep all the puppies myself. Plus there are genetic considerations to follow, medical aspects, etc etc that are too big a responsibility to me. And I don't want to bring more dogs into the world when already there are not enough homes for them all. The really good breeders do not get rich on breeding. Their breedings are rare, and usually they already have homes for the puppies before their bitches are even pregnant.

Puppy mills are horrible. Backyard breeders don't seem to understand why their breeding is filling the shelters. If only truly responsible breeders were to breed, I think the US would change and all the dogs would have homes.

So basically my reason for planning on getting a smooth collie puppy in a few years (after one or two of my four die, as I'm at my limit now... but of course I hate the thought of that) is because I want a high performance smooth collie puppy that I can shape and mold and have as a companion and best friend. One I can bond with in agility and perhaps other sports. I'll know this puppy's background, traits, genetics.. I'll know what to expect, and what I can shape. I know and love the breed, all aspects of the breed.

I love all types of dogs, mixes and pure breds alike. I've had both all my life. I do wish that AKC would allow mixes in competition events... around here there are 3 or so agility events a month, all AKC, and to participate you need a purebred. This is a tragedy in my opinion. The other venues, NADAC and USDAA which allow mixes, only have a couple trials a year. If there were more, or AKC allowed mixes, then those who would compete would have a lot more reason to adopt a mix from the shelter.

Anyway, that's my looong 2 cents worth. ;)

So basically my reason for planning on getting a smooth collie puppy in a few years (after one or two of my four die, as I'm at my limit now... but of course I hate the thought of that) is because I want a high performance smooth collie puppy that I can shape and mold and have as a companion and best friend. One I can bond with in agility and perhaps other sports. I'll know this puppy's background, traits, genetics.. I'll know what to expect, and what I can shape. I know and love the breed, all aspects of the breed.

Anyway, that's my looong 2 cents worth. ;)

Thanks for sharing all that. Very well-written, and helpful towards my understanding of why not everyone feels exactly the same way I do (even though you also seem to feel a lot of the same way I do since you've rescued many of your pets).

Here's a list of some rescues in Ohio:

http://www.pgaa.com/ohio.html

Here's a list of some rescues in Ohio:

http://www.pgaa.com/ohio.html

Thanks! Bookmarked it along w/ the others. :)

My style of speaking up for adoption is a bit low-key, but here it is...

If the conversation happens to turn to pets, I manage to mention in passing that I got all my animals (cats, rabbits, rodents) from the shelter or from the street. I haven't adopted any dogs (yet), but people are surprised when I mention how easy it is to find a rabbit at a general shelter. They're often surprised to learn that I've adopted one hamster and 5 gerbils from shelters also.

If it happens that we're discussing this further, I mention that someone might have to wait a bit for a small rodent; they're not qute so commonly available. And if someone has their heart set on a particular color or breed... again, they might have to wait. But when I was ready to adopt, I was prepared to take whatever animal was available: gerbil, hamster, mouse... any color, either sex...

I haven't adopted from a rescue organization yet. I remember a few years ago I posted in the "Rodent Fancy" forum that I was looking to adopt mice. Several weeks went by with no response. Then 10 (count 'em, 10!!!) gerbils were put up for adoption at one of the local shelters. I adopted 5 of them, and within a month someone from Rodent Fancy in my state said they had a few mice... but I didn't think I had enough room. I hate it when that happens. I hope they made out OK.

I've lived life on both sides, so I feel I can speak pretty freely....

Every animal that has come to us has been rescue of one type or the other. Never... NEVER have we had to buy or breed for our companions.

But in younger years, I was raised with a mother that bred dogs as a "hobby". All the years tracing blood lines, dealing with the endless "deals" (pick of the litter plus X$ and you cover duclaws and shots...) stinky whelping boxes, tail dockings with hot screwdrivers and do-it-yourself shots has firmly planted in my mind that it will only be rescues for me and nothing else.

And besides, when you've seen one overbread bitchdog that's 2 years old but looks 50, you've seen.... more than enough. Really. :no:

Backyard breeders are playing with living fire because put the right bitchdog with the wrong sire and suddenly, you have a litter of dogs that can't be AKC papered and what do you do when everyone wants AKC but your litter isn't it? Now you've got a "ruined lot". :stinkeye:

I do think AKC could relax some of their standards, especially in agility competitions. I think that people who are interested in this would have that freedom to go with a mix instead of going nuts trying to find the missing animal in some pure-bread line.....

But I'm getting way OT here.

For me and mine, it's all about rescues and adoptions. I won't pay anyone for any "pet" and all who know me know this. I've been too many years in the other side of it and have way too many not real great memories of being a miller to go back to that sort of way. If someone tells me they want to buy an animal, the first thing I suggest is for them to check out the shelters and rescues to find their furbaby. Don't be so quick to shell out the bucks for some papered status symbol that you're only going to have around the house.

After all, Morris the cat (spokes cat for 9Lives brand catfood in US for those that might not know) was a rescue. And I think all of his sucessors were rescues, too.

Love doesn't need registration papers. Affection doesn't have to be pure-bread and a good companion can be as mixed as confetti itself. I've had this proved to me time and again by mutts that couldn't qualify for anything except a lot of loves, pets and scratches on the belly. :)

I'm very pro-adoption and when it comes up, I'm pretty verbal about it, too. :yes:

I am also extremely pro adoption, though I'm low key about speaking about it usually. I love to foster, and I wish we could foster again.. we adopted our last foster, just couldn't let him go! :) And now we have 4, and we think 5 might be too much for my one dog, Levi, to handle. He doesn't get along well with the fosters anyway. :)

Thanks for your nice replies.. I was hoping I wouldn't get trodden on for the purchased dog thoughts. :) I do advocate adoption for 99% of the people I meet. Hm... make that 99.999999% ;)

Thanks for your nice replies.. I was hoping I wouldn't get trodden on for the purchased dog thoughts. :) I do advocate adoption for 99% of the people I meet. Hm... make that 99.999999% ;)


I thought about it and then figured it wasn't the OP's intention, so I figured I'd let it rest. But if you want, I have no trouble addressing that . . . :whip:

Whether purebred or not, I am very much for animal adoption and rescue. There are so many overpopulated shelters out there that most cannot afford to keep all their dogs alive. I know at my local shelter, they give them five days and give them a health and temperament test. If they cannot pass both tests, do not have an enquiring adoptive family, or have been claimed by their owner, they are euthanized. There are many purebred dogs at animal shelters and there are many purebred rescues out there. And "mutts" aren't so bad either. Both of my dogs are mixes and I love them just as much as I would love any other dog. Mixed breeds are usually less prone to hereditary diseases and CAN live longer than purebred dogs.
The backyard breeder scene is just horrible and many are kept in terrible living conditions and are neglected.

I thought about it and then figured it wasn't the OP's intention, so I figured I'd let it rest. But if you want, I have no trouble addressing that . . . :whip:

I did say I wasn't going to argue, just listen, but I didn't know if others would....

I figured that if I didn't get my first choice of a flame-less intelligent discussion, I'd at least get a lesson in how to argue for adoption. :shy:

Still, it seems like everyone who has replied sees the merits of adoption and agrees at least 99% of the way....

BTW, I just got a good retort in on my other forum (runnersworld,women,NRR=non-running-related); someone who'd just gotten rid of a ferret for space reasons, was asking for ways to talk their S.O. into getting a puppy. :whip:

Anyone who would purchase an animal loses all my respect.

Anyone who insists on a purebred animal loses it too.

People are morons.

I can sort of understand someone thinking that they're 'rescuing' an animal from a breeder or a pet store,just because the animal looks so lonely and miserable...however,they need to understand that more litters of puppies will be produced and that the dog or cat purchased at a pet store will be immediately replaced as well.It's a neverending cycle and one that I don't agree with so I'm 100% pro adoption. Just think,for every purebred animal purchased there are tons of needy animals desperate for homes.I just couldn't support any person or industry that mass produces animals for profit.

Anyone who would purchase an animal loses all my respect.

Anyone who insists on a purebred animal loses it too.

People are morons.


I agree to an extent. There are just some people who wear blinders and have no idea about what puppy mills are, the extent of the pet overpopulation problem, etc. I know people who HAVE purchased animals years ago, and only recently have been educated about the crisis. From now on they will rescue only. You can't blame people for not knowing, so as far as I'm concerned it's our responsibility to educate them. Knowing all this, if someone chooses to purchase an animal, I just couldn't respect them or want them as a 'friend'.

As far as purebreds are concerned, I have a fondness for daschunds. If the breed rescue didn't exist, I would have no problem rescuing a mutt. It doesn't matter to me. What matters is saving a life.

And yes, people are morons.

[QUOTE=Alfiedog]
As far as purebreds are concerned, I have a fondness for daschunds. If the breed rescue didn't exist, I would have no problem rescuing a mutt. It doesn't matter to me. What matters is saving a life.

[QUOTE]

And I have a fondness for greyhounds, but if racing ceased to exist and there weren't any others to rescue, I'd get a mix from the pound too. Some of the best dogs I know (next to mine, of course) are mutts.

[QUOTE=Alfiedog]
As far as purebreds are concerned, I have a fondness for daschunds. If the breed rescue didn't exist, I would have no problem rescuing a mutt. It doesn't matter to me. What matters is saving a life.

[QUOTE]

And I have a fondness for greyhounds, but if racing ceased to exist and there weren't any others to rescue, I'd get a mix from the pound too. Some of the best dogs I know (next to mine, of course) are mutts.

aw, greyhounds are so cute.

it's true though that non-purebred animals are sometimes healthier and less susceptible to illness. My cousin's siamese cat is horribly cross-eyed.

My current furbaby is a rescue. She's also a pure-bred but we wouldn't have cared if she was mutt's mutt from way back. Life means more than lineage. :yes:

It is good to rescue purebreds too because all these superficial people out there want a cute little purebred puppy and then the puppy pees on their 3000 dollar couch and they dont want it anymore.. Luckily there will usually be someone else rescuing it because of the fact of it being a purebred, but I myself love the quirkiness and randomness of the mixed breeds.

Speaking of rescue, the local rescue comes to my work every few saturdays of the month and they have this adorable little pitbull. She is the sweetest little thing and they are very strict (and rightfully so) with who they will adopt her out to because of her background. They get so many "young hoodlums" (rescue ladies words not mine) inquiring i just hope she finds a good home. :shy: